Japan too good for Brazil

JAPAN super-sub Shiho Matsubara scored a double to propel her team in next Tuesday’s semifinal of the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Japan beat Brazil 3-1 in yesterday’s second quarterfinal at the National Football Stadium. Winger Matsubara scored her first goal minutes into the second half after a good assist from the Miyabi Moriya to her side out to a 2-0 lead after having led 1-0 thanks to a first half injury time goal by Moriya. Matsubara found the net the second time after through ball from Asato Miyagawa to get out to an almost insurmountable 3-0 lead. Moriya was the toast of the side as she inspired her team to score the opening goal and provide assist to the second goal to give Japan the lead and the momentum as Brazil tried desparately to find the net. Brazil managed to pull one back a minute into injury time through forward Gabi Nunes who earned a spot kick after she was brought down in the box. Despite both teams having good support from the crowd, Japan were the better side across the park out-thinking and out-work their South American opponents.